Gachagua Hosts Kipsigis Delegation at Wamunyoro, Warns Ruto of Imminent Political Ruin
News Updated: 15 July 2026 17:40 EAT
Photo courtesy: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing delegation from Kipsigis in North Rift
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, hosted a massive delegation from the South Rift region at his Wamunyoro residence in Mathira, Nyeri County. The high-stakes meeting, which occurred during Gachagua’s intensive 45-day political consultations, marked a crucial step in his efforts to forge new alliances and consolidate opposition strength ahead of the 2027 General Election. Addressing hundreds of supporters who traveled in a convoy of 14-seater matatus from Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, and Narok counties, Gachagua expressed deep gratitude for the visit. He declared that his ancestral home remains his ultimate sanctuary where he finds peace away from Kenya's tumultuous political landscape.
Addressing his deep-seated connection to his roots and the iconic Mount Kenya, Gachagua highlighted the geographical and historical significance of his Wamunyoro homestead. He reminded the visiting delegation that he was born and raised there, living next to the historic Mau Mau forest, which holds deep personal and national meaning to him. "Hapa ndio mimi nilizaliwa ndio nimeishi miaka yangu yote. Na hapa ndio mimi napata amani," Gachagua stated, before gesturing towards the mountain range. "Ukiangalia pande ile ni mlima Kenya ile inaitwa mlima ile tunasemanga hapana kuuza mlima." He drew a direct parallel between the resilience of the forest fighters and his current political stance, emphasizing that the local community comprises "children of the forest" who live alongside elephants and buffaloes and are built on the legacy of the Mau Mau.
The DCP leader did not mince his words when discussing his political fallout with President William Ruto, whom he accused of disrespecting and undermining the Mount Kenya region. He claimed that Ruto’s political fortunes have suffered significantly since their fallout, suggesting that touching the political interests of the mountain was a fatal error. "Si mtu yenu aliguza mlima eh mambo yake imeharibika haijamharibika imeharibika nilikuwa nimemwambia bwana guza mlima," Gachagua remarked. He added that the political pact that swept the Kenya Kwanza administration into power in 2022 was built on the combined votes of Mount Kenya and the Rift Valley, warning that forgetting this foundation would lead to the administration's collapse.
Reflecting on his transition from office and his ongoing leadership role, Gachagua humorously referred to himself as the "second deputy president" or "Secret Deputy President" because of the mandate given to him by the voters. He reiterated that he holds no bitterness toward the electorate because they voted for him for a five-year term, even though a single individual decided to orchestrate his removal without consulting them. "Mimi ni mtu ya shukrani na mimi sina shida na nyinyi. Nyinyi mlinichagua miaka tano. Ile mtu mwingine akaamua anitoe. Hakuuliza nyinyi alimuuliza nyinyi aliuliza nyinyi hakuuliza nyinyi," he told the crowd, emphasizing that his gratitude remains with the ordinary citizens who placed their trust in him.
Gachagua used the occasion to pledge his unwavering support for the Kipsigis community, promising that they would not be marginalized or suffer under his political watch. He called for direct, open, and continuous dialogue to chart a united path forward. "Na hii jamii ya wakipsigis haitaangamia haitapata shida nikiwa kiongozi katika jamii ya Kenya," Gachagua declared. He invited the delegation to engage in open consultations at his home, highlighting that he has spent 45 days at Wamunyoro laying down plans for the nation's future. He urged them to speak freely about their challenges in Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, and Narok so that they could collectively agree on a political direction.
The DCP leader highly praised the Kipsigis community for their unwavering stance and refusal to be intimidated by state machinery. He compared their legendary resilience to old iron, stating that they possess a firm, "hardheaded" attitude similar to his own. "Hamnunui uoga. Hamwezi uziwa uoga. Hata mkiziwa hamwezi nunua. Nyinyi mko na msimamo nyinyi ni kichwa ngumu kama mimi," Gachagua said, adding that the Kipsigis and Mount Kenya communities must walk shoulder to shoulder. He celebrated them as a hardworking and respectful community that deeply values justice and detests oppression, which is why they were deeply dissatisfied when he was targeted.
To demonstrate his gratitude, Gachagua revealed a personal connection to the Kipsigis, sharing that the milk served to the delegation came directly from cows they gifted him during his tenure as Deputy President. He explained that these livestock have become a vital source of livelihood for him since he no longer receives a government salary. "Walinionyesha heshima na upendo na ile mimi maziwa ninauza kwa sababu sina mshahara," Gachagua revealed. He expressed deep appreciation for their foresight, joking that it was as if they knew he would face economic hardship and chose to provide him with heifers that would sustain him during his political retirement.
Gachagua also made an explosive revelation regarding the root cause of his fallout with President Ruto, tracing it back to Ruto's secret engagements with ODM leader Raila Odinga. He claimed that he was initially lied to when he raised concerns about night meetings between the president and the opposition leader. "Mimi nikaambiwa huyu kiongozi ameanaza kukutana na Raila usiku sikuamini. Nikauliza yeye akaruka mimi ah hapana hakuna kitu kama hiyo," he said. He added that his security officers eventually confirmed the secret meetings, leading him to catch the duo red-handed after he unexpectedly entered a meeting room at night.
The DCP leader noted that the administration’s relationship with its core support base began to crumble the moment the president chose to embrace ODM. Gachagua criticized Ruto for adopting the very political handshakes he had spent years castigating during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure. He recalled asking Ruto why he was embracing Odinga when he had previously branded the ODM leader as a disruptive force that "bewitched" Uhuru. Gachagua claimed that when he pushed for the protection of Rift Valley and Mount Kenya shares in the government, Ruto dismissed his advocacy as "primitive" and "tribal," despite their prior pre-election agreements.
According to Gachagua, the entry of ODM into the government has completely stalled development projects in regions that initially voted for Kenya Kwanza. He alleged that road constructions, electricity installations, water projects, and school developments have ground to a halt as the president focuses on pleasing his new allies. "Mambo yote ya Rivale ikakwama mabarabara hakuna kitu tunaendelea stima hakuna maji hakuna mashule hakuna," Gachagua lamented. He stated that he questioned the president on why he was abandoning millions of loyal voters who supported him through five difficult years of political persecution just to chase a fraction of votes in Nyanza.
To illustrate his advice to the president, Gachagua shared a colorful analogy about marriage that he used during their private discussions. He explained that he advised Ruto not to discard his "first wife"—representing the Mount Kenya and Rift Valley voters who bore him "children"—for a new, younger bride who is only attracted to his wealth and power. "Ile mama ulioa umeeza watoto naye hata ukipata msichana mdogo mrebo... hapana anafukuza huyo mama bebeleza yeye akubali... lakini yule mmezaa naye eh huyo ndio ya maana," Gachagua recalled telling the president. However, he lamented that Ruto’s head was "swollen with money and power," making him deaf to such counsel.
Gachagua further criticized the president for surrounding himself with inexperienced young politicians who are leading him astray, while ignoring seasoned elders from his own Rift Valley backyard. He specifically named figures such as Oscar Sudi, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Aaron Cheriyot, warning that they would lead the president into a political ditch. Gachagua stated that he urged the president to seek counsel from respected elders like Franklin Bett, Henry Kosgey, Elijah Sumbeiywo, and retired Bishop Silas Yego. He criticized the president's reliance on young allies, stating: "Kama experience ni kutembea na watoto hii... utaweka hii nchi kwa shimo."
The former Deputy President went on to accuse the administration of unchecked public looting and turning a deaf ear to the cries of Kenyans. He claimed that when he confronted the president about the widespread corruption and public outcry that threatened to send them home, Ruto dismissively compared their administration to past regimes. Gachagua alleged that the president told him that past presidents like Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, and Mwai Kibaki had "eaten" and the country did not end, so they too should enjoy their time in power. "Moi alikula haikukwisha, Kibaki alikula... hata sisi wacha tukule," Gachagua quoted Ruto as saying, while dismissing Gachagua's warnings to stop the noise.
The friction between the two top leaders reached a boiling point during the historic Gen Z protests in 2024, particularly over the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Gachagua stated that he opposed the bill in the cabinet, warning that the public was heavily opposed to it, but the president forced it through anyway. He expressed his horror at the state's decision to use lethal force against young protesters. Gachagua claimed that he refused to participate in the abductions and killings of youth, telling the president that as a Christian, an elder, and a parent, he could not support such actions. He also criticized then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki for blindly executing the president's orders.
Gachagua detailed the extreme political persecution he faced for standing with the people, recalling how he was subjected to false charges, asset freezes, and political isolation. He revealed that toward the end of his tenure, church bishops urged him to ask the president for forgiveness as a test of the president's Christian faith. Despite his initial reluctance, Gachagua publicly apologized to Ruto and his wife. However, the lack of reciprocation proved to Gachagua and the clergy that the president was a "fake Christian" who only used the Bible for political posturing. "Alionyesha kutupiga wakristo wote... ndio walijua alikuwa mkristo bonoko," Gachagua remarked.
Closing his powerful address, Gachagua explained how the recent Emurua Dikirr mini-poll, where his DCP candidate Vincent Rotich secured over 10,800 votes, served as a turning point that mended relations between Mount Kenya and the Kipsigis community. He stated that the outcome proved to the Kikuyu community that the Rift Valley electorate has no issue with them or Gachagua, but rather with the presidency. He declared that his community has formally instructed him to forge a lasting political partnership with the Kipsigis. "Mimi nimeamurrishwa na hii jamii kuingia na kuanza safari ya urafiki na jamii ya wakipsikis," Gachagua concluded, inviting the delegation to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
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FELIX MAKONA
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